Bringing Will to the Table

A recent article was posted that shared a young man’s perspective that formal education had not served him well—in fact he didn’t believe that he had learned anything important at school.  He spoke about the influences outside of the school system and how he had capitalized on opportunities to learn on his own. 

This article brings two things to my mind.  One is a question for the young man and the second a question for the system.  For the young man I would ask, “What about the system kept you from bringing the “will to learn” to the table when it is clear that you weren’t “anti-learning” as you engaged in learning in out-of-school spaces?  An easy response is that the classes didn’t seem relevant (although he did attend school for quite a while), but I also wonder about the connections he did or did not make with the adults at the school.  We know how important relationships with a positive role model and mentor are for youth.  What relationships were in place during his school experience?  Finally, were the classes more than irrelevant?  Were they also lacking rigor or so challenging that this young man could not feel successful?  More questions than answers, but I am curious.  Certainly bringing “will” to the table is essential, but when that “will” is spent in other learning activities, the question becomes, why not here at school?

For the school system I would ask what efforts were made to build the non-cognitive skills (those that we know are predictors of success beyond academic achievement)?  Is there anything being done to consider all aspects of a young person—social, emotional, physical, as well as cognitive?  Did anyone get to know this young man and his hopes and dreams?  Did the 3 R’s—relationships, relevance, and rigor come into play?

Out-of-school time can offer the 3 R’s through staff that are positive role models for mentors and youth.  This is an essential ingredient to success.  To ensure that out-of-school time staff members are prepared for this essential role, Entrusted Legacy has partnered with Consult 4 Kids to provide a comprehensive staff development program tailored for their needs.  Join with us as we work to share this system with all out-of-school time providers.  Entrust your Legacy with us.  Make an investment in the future by going to our website at www.entrustedlegacy.org and clicking on the “donate” tab.